Organization Information

Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults to become successful, resilient members of their communities. To achieve this, NYC provides a variety of outdoors, conservation-specific programs to youth and young adults throughout the Northwest emphasizing education, leadership, and personal growth.

Since 1984, NYC and its resource management partners have provided opportunities to over 19,000 youth and young adults to learn, grow, and experience success. NYC’s programs serve over 800 youth and young adults annually, with programs operating in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California.

Contact Information

First Name:

Ruby

Last Name:

Bebekian

Phone:

5413495055

Email:

rubyb@nwyouthcorps.org

Opportunity Information

Name:

AmeriCorps Field Leader

Issue Area(s):

Education

Environment and Animal Rescue

Identity and Culture

Course(s):

Start Date:

06/04/2018

End Date:

09/03/2018

Description:

Field Leaders co-lead, manage, and supervise conservation crews of nine youth, ages 15-19, over the course of the summer. The summer employment season is broken down into two five-week sessions so leaders will oversee two separate groups over their term of employment. While on session, Field Leaders will be responsible for completing a variety of hands-on, conservation-oriented projects on public and private lands, and facilitating daily lessons using our accredited outdoor education curriculum.

Field Leaders are well-balanced individuals who work hard and embody compassion, patience, and an inspirational attitude. This seasonal position not only allows Filed Leaders to deliver an impactful educational experience to young people in their communities, but can also provide an entry-point into the fields of natural resource management, youth development, and outdoor education.

Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Mentorship

Leaders manage, supervise, and participate in all aspects of crew work from hauling rocks to stacking brush. They work cooperatively with their co-leader to delegate responsibilities to crew members, maintain crew discipline, resolve conflicts, and establish/maintain crew morale. Leaders provide formal and informal feedback to corps members with specific attention to work productivity and quality, teamwork, and leadership. Field Leaders receive feedback on their performance and are challenged to develop their own leadership skills within this program.

Safety & Risk Management

Oversee the physical and emotional safety of program participants at all times. Safety is the number one priority in everything we do, including work, education, and recreation. This includes not only the physical safety of participants but their mental and emotional safety as well. Leaders will be responsible for transporting the crew and equipment, to and from the worksite daily, safely in NYC’s fleet vehicles.

Project Management & Implementation

Field leaders are responsible for safely completing conservation projects to high standards by training, working with, and supervising crews of nine-ten teenage youth 30-40 hours/week. They will serve as the principal liaison with project sponsors and members of the local community. The Field Leaders’ principal role, however, will be to manage and motivate their crew of youth. In the field, they will provide direction to their crew with specific attention to safe work practices, proper tool use, work quality, and productivity. Field Leaders are mentors and role models and set the pace and tone of the project site. This position is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Leaders will lift heavy loads, walk long distances, and should expect to find each project physically challenging.

Education

Leaders implement daily lessons based on NYC’s education curriculum (SEED), which incorporates environmental education, life skills development, nutrition and health, and job readiness. Field Leaders track corps member participation and progress throughout the program. Field Leaders are encouraged to bring their own skills and experiences to the education curriculum and use natural surroundings for teachable moments.

Required Qualifications

At least 21 years old

Current Wilderness First Aid or higher and CPR certification- or willingness to obtain

Current Driver’s License and clean driving record for the past three years (Driver’s License Background Check required)

Recreational/ professional outdoor experience

Excellent organization and time management skills

Ability to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds

Willingness and ability to frequently drive an NYC vehicle

Ability to work collaboratively and promote teamwork

Strong communication skills

Good judgment and decision making skills

Sense of humor, spirit of adventure, and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and the environment

Experience/desire in working with diverse populations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job